Sandoval tells convention: Obama ‘in the way of economic recovery’

TAMPA, Fla. - Addressing the Republican National Convention, Gov. Brian Sandoval on Tuesday criticized President Barack Obama for getting "in the way of economic recovery" by expanding government and regulations that hurt companies and job creation.

"They tell us government is the answer, but we know it's the problem," Sandoval said. "They tell us we didn't build our businesses, but somebody else made it happen. They tell us not to dream, but to settle. You and I know America is better than that.

"Our national story is one of confronting challenges and winning."

Sandoval said GOP presidential nominee Mitt Romney would bring a new attitude to the White House, encouraging businesses and big dreams again.

"Make no mistake, the current administration's failed experiment with big government gets in the way of economic recovery," Sandoval said. "Their love affair with government regulation is a drag on business confidence."

GOP WILL RESTORE U.S., GOVERNOR SAYS

Sandoval said the answer to economic recovery is the GOP ticket, including U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, Romney's vice presidential running mate and the architect of a GOP House budget that cuts government spending.

"From personal experience, I can tell you what will help states like Nevada and families like mine," he said. "Elect the team that understands how to get America working again. Send Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan to the White House."

Sandoval's seven-minute speech was met by applause several times, although delegates talked among themselves as speaker after speaker hit on some of the same themes, contending Obama hasn't delivered as promised four years ago.

He also followed Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, a conservative hero after surviving a Democratic recall effort.

Sandoval, Nevada's first Hispanic governor, represents the state hardest hit by the recession. It has the highest jobless rate at 12 percent and record bankruptcies and foreclosures.

The Latino vote is key in Nevada, where 26 percent of the population is Hispanic and where Obama and Democrats are more popular among Latinos.

Sandoval said Hispanics have been hurt by Obama policies, too. He noted he grew up in a working-class family, and he rose to become a federal judge and then governor.

"I have seen Hispanic business owners and families from backgrounds not unlike my own struggle in this economy," Sandoval said. "I have seen young children from all walks of life begin to wonder if their future holds any hope at all."

SANDOVAL BLASTS OBAMA'S PROMISES

Sandoval squarely placed the blame on Obama, calling him "a president who promised change but turned instead to the same tired strategy of ever larger government. A president who abandoned hope and embraced only blame."

Sandoval said he stepped down as a federal judge and ran for governor in 2010 so he could do what other GOP governors are doing, making "tough decisions" to repair the economy.

"It hasn't been easy," Sandoval said. "And we're not through it yet. But I have put my faith in the people of my great state because they are the ones who will grow our economy."

Sandoval ended his speech on a note that good times could be ahead again.

"We must leave Tampa this week on a mission to remind Americans they deserve more than the status quo," Sandoval said. "They deserve to dream big. We must remind Americans that the promise of opportunity remains unbroken: that every person in this great nation can succeed through hard work, courage, and personal responsibility."

Nevada Democratic Party Chair Roberta Lange noted that Sandoval had praised Obama programs, including help for small businesses. And he once noted Romney didn't understand Nevada's foreclosures after Romney said the market should be allowed to "hit bottom."

"Governor Sandoval has already made clear how out-of-touch Mitt Romney is on the economy after he waited until all other options were exhausted to endorse the Republican nominee," Lange said in a statement. "But now that he finally has, he has developed a case of political amnesia regarding his previous statements applauding President Obama's efforts at creating jobs in Nevada and criticizing Mitt Romney for being out of touch on the state's foreclosure crisis."

Before his speech, Sandoval said if Romney were elected president, the Silver State would create more jobs and recover faster from the recession.

Sandoval has a goal of creating 50,000 new jobs in Nevada by 2014 despite policies by Obama that the governor said has hampered business because of overregulation and taxes. He said Romney would create a business-friendly environment that would allow him to pass that goal.

"There's no doubt in my mind. There would be less government regulation, less government interference" under Romney, Sandoval told the Las Vegas Review-Journal about six hours before his 6 p.m. speech to convention delegates inside the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

In office two years, Sandoval said he is already over the 26,000 new jobs mark.

GOVERNOR WORKING TO TURN HIS STATE RED

Sandoval said he Romney will win Nevada on Nov. 6 because of the dismal economy, disappointment in Obama and because Republicans are energized by campaigning by Romney and running mate Ryan in the battleground state.

"I and other Nevadans are ready for a change," Sandoval said.

Sandoval sees Romney helping other Republicans win, too, mentioning U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., who is running to keep his Senate seat against U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev.

"As I visit with Republicans, I see there's a lot of momentum, and that momentum is going to carry Dean Heller" and other GOP candidates to victory, Sandoval said.

He also has been impressed with Ryan, a conservative congressman from Wisconsin who has written House GOP budgets to reduce spending.

"He's wicked smart," Sandoval said of Ryan, whom he met during a recent Las Vegas campaign stop. "He's sharp but down to Earth. He's somebody you want as your next-door neighbor."

Sandoval initially endorsed Texas Gov. Rick Perry for president during the GOP primary out of loyalty to a fellow Western governor, he said at the time. Sandoval endorsed Romney after it was clear the former Massachusetts governor would be the GOP presidential nominee.

In recent weeks, the popular Sandoval has campaigned and helped raise money for the Romney-Ryan ticket and reach out to the Latino community, which might make the difference in 2012.

BATTLEGROUND NEVADA DRAWS ATTENTION

Sandoval said he expects to campaign more for Romney and Ryan during the final 70 days of the campaign. And he expects the two men to visit Nevada often to boost support. He said the nationally televised convention will allow Nevadans to learn more about Romney and Ryan.

"This is what conventions are all about, allowing folks across the country to get to know Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan," Sandoval said, speaking inside the forum as it gaveled open.

Sandoval was at one time discussed as a potential vice presidential running mate, although he was not formally vetted. He said he didn't want the job and was focused instead on succeeding as governor during his first term and a planned run for re-election in 2014.

Sandoval is pro-choice, an abortion position that could make it difficult to put him on the GOP ticket. Asked what is behind his abortion views, Sandoval said, "It's very personal."

"I respect a woman's right to make the decision," he said, leaving it at that.

Contact reporter Laura Myers at lmyers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2919.